Pinellas County Wrongful Death Attorneys

July 13, 2018

Nursing Assistant Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Elder in Nursing Home

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a Certified Nursing Assistant accused of sexually assaulting an 85-year-old man.

The 35-year-old is charged with one count of sexual battery.

Deputies say that through June 6 and June 9, the man sexually assaulted the man.

The man was allegedly working as a CNA at a senior living home, where the 85-year-old man lived.

The man is currently being held at Orient Road Jail.

Sexual assault in a nursing home or assisted living facility does happen. This can be the result of the facility not conducting proper background checks on every potential employee. When the facility fails to provide proper screening on any employee with a sexual abuse history, they can be held liable for any sexual abuse and/or negligence.

The facility can also be held liable for the sexual abuse because of improper employee supervision. This is often the result of poor training or understaffing. The nursing facility is required to properly train and supervise all employees on the best methods of spotting sexual abuse. When this does not happen, the facility can be held responsible for failing to take proper security measures to protect residents.

April 16, 2018

Pinellas County Parents Accuse Hospital of Medical Negligence in Son’s Delivery

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Pinellas County parents are suing a St. Petersburg hospital, alleging negligence in the delivery of their son.

The couple filed a complaint on April 2 in Pinellas Circuit Court against CHS/Community Health Systems Inc., doing business as Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, alleging the hospital breached professional standards of care and treatment.

According to the complaint, on May 4, 2017, the woman was at Bayfront Health for the delivery of her son who suffered a brain injury during the birth procedure. The lawsuit says the parents suffered irreparable harm, including additional medical costs, time and resources in an attempt to secure medical records as a result of the unlawful practice of the hospital to withhold portions of the records that are crucial evidences to evaluate medical negligence for the woman’s labor and delivery.

The parents allege Bayfront Health St. Petersburg violated state and federal laws pertaining to their right to health information.

Medical malpractice or negligence cases involve a complex set of rules regarding standards of care. To be successful in these cases against negligent medical providers, you need a Pinellas County Medical Malpractice Attorney at Whittel & Melton who understand the complicated legal facets of your case and can tackle even the most daunting of opponents on your behalf.

We pride ourselves on helping those who have been injured by the negligence or carelessness of doctors, nurses, OB-GYNs and other medical providers in Pinellas County and throughout the state of Florida. Many labor and delivery medical malpractice cases involve:

Birth injuries
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
Brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Defective medical devices
Dangerous drug interactions
Prescription medication errors
Surgical mistakes
Anesthesia errors

September 21, 2017

Pedestrian Struck By Semi In Clearwater

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 35-year-old Dunedin woman was killed early Wednesday when she was struck by a semi-truck.

According to Clearwater police, the crash happened on U.S. 19 around 1 a.m. The woman was struck by a tractor-trailer headed south on U.S. 19 just north of Sunset Point Road.

Police said the woman walked into the southbound lanes of traffic on U.S. 19 and the 50-year-old driver of the semi was unable to avoid striking her.

The U.S. 19 lanes were closed for several hours.

The crash remains under investigation.

The injuries suffered after being hit by a semi can be life-changing. They usually result in catastrophic injuries or death. If you do survive this type of crash, hospital bills, physical therapy, and time missed from work to heal can severely impact your physical, emotional and financial well-being.

In most cases, insurance companies will be eager to settle your claim, but may not offer you the full and fair amount you are entitled to. For your own protection, never sign anything from an insurance company until you have spoken with an attorney, who can make sure your best interests are protected.

September 19, 2017

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash Involving Pinellas School Bus

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

An 18-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle crash early Monday morning.

Troopers said the motorcyclist crashed into a Pinellas County school bus and died from the injuries he sustained.

The crash occurred just before 7 a.m. at 49th Street N. and 58th Avenue N. in Pinellas County.

Troopers said the man was speeding down 49th Street N. changing lanes multiple times. A school bus transporting seven children to Sawgrass Elementary School was traveling southbound on 49th Street N. and turned east onto 58th Avenue N. well ahead of the motorcycle, which was traveling northbound on 49th St.

Troopers said the man came upon the intersection and changed lanes again to pass another vehicle, and collided with the right rear corner of the school bus on the east side of the intersection.

The man was ejected from his bike and died at the scene.

Troopers said no one on the bus was injured during the crash.

Helmets, protective gear, and making sure to follow all motorcycle safety practices and precautions are all various ways motorcyclists can avoid sustaining injuries in motorcycle crashes. However, motorcyclists share the road with hundreds of larger, heavier vehicles at any given time. All it takes is one mistake from a driver to cause a tragic accident.

Accidents between motorcycles and larger, heavier vehicles rarely end well for the motorcyclist. If the motorcyclist does survive the collision, they usually suffer catastrophic injuries.

Establishing fault in a motorcycle accident can often be a challenge. Auto insurance companies will do everything in their power to try and claim that the motorcyclist was at fault, but that just simply is not always the case. Even the safest of motorcyclists are always at risk due to careless drivers sharing the roadway.

If someone you love was taken from you in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. While this cannot bring your loved one back, it can help make sure you are financially taken care of so that you can grieve properly.

August 29, 2017

Motorcyclist Critically Injured in St. Petersburg Overnight Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

St. Petersburg police are investigating an early morning traffic crash that sent one person to the hospital with serious injuries.

The crash occurred around 12:41 a.m. at Central Avenue and 45th Street in St. Pete.

Police said a Volkswagen, driven by a 22-year-old woman was driving northbound on 45th St. and stopped at a stop sign at Central Ave. The Volkswagen began to make a left hand turn and drove into the path of a Yamaha traveling eastbound on Central Avenue.

Police said the Yamaha, driven by a 25-year-old man, crashed into the rear driver side of the Volkswagen.

The man was thrown from his bike and was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg with life-threatening injuries. Officials said he is considered to be in critical condition.

The driver of the Volkswagen was transported to Bayfront with minor injuries. A passenger in her vehicle was treated and released at the scene.

Officials claim both drivers were found to have signs of impairment by alcohol. Criminal charges are pending the results of blood tests, officials said.

When a drunk driver is on the road, they place everyone sharing the roadway with them in danger. Motorcyclists are exceptionally vulnerable to drunk drivers. They have less protection than other motorists and they are harder to identify by intoxicated drivers.

Motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those utilizing a passenger car, which means that roughly 11 percent of all traffic accidents in the US involve a motorcycle.

Drunk driving accidents can result in serious injuries and even wrongful death. If you or someone you care for was the victim of a drunk driving accident while on a motorcycle, you need to seek the legal counsel that you deserve to recover damages from the at-fault party. Our St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you through your case and assist you with determining what your options are.

August 1, 2017

1 Dead, 1 Injured in Palm Harbor Crash with Pedestrians

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

One person was killed and another injured after a crash early Monday in Palm Harbor involving pedestrians.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, northbound US 19 was closed at Alderman Road for several hours early Monday. The roadway was reopened just after 7 a.m.

Troopers said a 2016 Honda Civic collided with two pedestrians crossing the northbound lanes of US Highway 19 at Alderman Road at the south end of the intersection.

The crash happened just after 4 a.m.

The driver of the Honda remained at the scene of the crash.

An 18-year-old man from Palm Harbor died at the scene. A female with him was taken to Bayonet Point Hospital in critical condition. The 47-year-old driver of the Honda was not injured.

The crash is currently under investigation.

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable people on the road. And because they are the most vulnerable, they should also be the most protected under Florida law. Our Tampa Pedestrian Accident Injury & Death Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you understand what your rights are if you have lost someone or been injured in a pedestrian accident.

July 19, 2017

1 Killed, 1 Injured in Boating Accident Near Courtney Campbell Causeway

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A man was killed and a woman hospitalized after a Sunday afternoon incident at the Courtney Campbell Causeway boat ramp.

According to Tampa Fire Rescue, two people were in a boat that hit something in the water.

No further information was immediately available.

Even if you are operating your boat safely and carefully, it is sometimes impossible to avoid an accident. Our Tampa Bay Boating Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton have guided many Tampa Bay area residents through boating accident cases. The injuries sustained during a boating accident can be severe, which can create a stressful scenario for you and your family. We want to help you through this difficult time.

June 12, 2017

25-Year-Old Woman Killed in St. Pete Motorcycle Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 25-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a motorcycle collision Thursday night in St. Petersburg.

The crash occurred around 6:15 p.m. at 6th Avenue South and 28th Street South.

Police said a Ford Focus, driven by a 52-year-old woman was traveling northbound on 28th Street S. and made a left westbound turn at 6th Ave. S. and traveled into the path of the motorcycle.

The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the Ford and the woman was thrown from the bike, according to officials.

The woman was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Hospital where she died from her injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton know that being involved in a motorcycle accident can be an extremely traumatic experience. Motorcycle accidents are among the most devastating traffic accidents because they usually result in very serious injuries and even wrongful death. Motorcycle accidents often lead to enormous medical expenses, loss of employment or future earning power, and severe pain and suffering for those involved. Victims of motorcycle crashes and any surviving family members have the right to make a claim for compensation for the negligent actions of unsafe drivers on the road.

May 5, 2017

Enjoy An Injury Free Cinco de Mayo

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Tampa Bay residents are gearing up for Cinco de Mayo fiestas today! This is the perfect time to enjoy Mexican-inspired food, drinks and fun with friends and family.

Unfortunately, drunk driving rates increase over the holidays. Every day in the United States, an average of 27 people lose their lives to drunk drivers.

While you cannot control the actions of other motorists, you can reduce the likelihood of getting in a crash with a drunk driver.

April 7, 2017

Man Killed Crossing Road In Clearwater

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 23-year-old man was killed Wednesday morning in a pedestrian-involved crash near Ulmerton Road in Clearwater.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened at 6:45 a.m. near westbound Ulmerton and 34th Street North.

Troopers believe the Alachua man was walking northbound across Ulmerton Road when he stepped into the path of a Honda Element SUV being driven by a 23-year-old man from St. Petersburg.

He was rushed to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg where he later died. The driver of the vehicle was not injured.

The crash is currently being investigated.

When a person dies because of another person’s carelessness, certain family members are entitled to recover compensation by filing of a wrongful death lawsuit. Different from a personal injury claim, a wrongful death suit is filed by a family member of the deceased instead of the victim of the accident. Wrongful death claims can provide financial compensation to surviving family members for emotional and financial injuries suffered whereas personal injury lawsuits provide the victim with monetary compensation based on the injuries suffered as a result of the accident.

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, our Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. We can walk you through what steps need to be taken and make sure you understand what to expect.